Full Name: AJR (Roedie) Naude

Position: Director: energy and industry, Hilti South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Sales and support in the energy and industry segments

Date and Place of Birth: October 15,1978, Vaal Triangle, South Africa

Education: National diploma in metalliferous mining, University of the Witwatersrand

First Job: Mining official in training

Size of First Pay Packet: A R200 000 allowance, plus bursary study fees – I lived like a king

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: 48 employees

Management Style: Flexibility is key, and knowing when to be directive or supportive has a big impact on motivation and willingness. I strive for a caring and performance-driven culture within teams

Personal Best Achievement: I stayed upright throughout my son’s natural birth – all 11 hours of it . . .

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My beautiful wife, Jenny

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My mentor, Lars Taenzer, for his high intensity, focus and energy; at the same time, he was warm and supportive

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Dave Grohl, the lead singer of Foo Fighters

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk, for his amazing vision and tremendous risk appetite

Philosophy of Life: Chop your own wood, it will warm you twice – stolen from Henry Ford

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Taking charge of the (then) Hilti Mining business in South Africa in 2011

Biggest Ever Disappointment: I cannot remember – I quickly move on from disappointments

Hope for the Future: That South Africa addresses its biggest challenges – leadership and education – and that there is a bright future for my son

Favourite Reading: More like listening – to Bruce Whitfield’s money show on 702; WW2 history

Favourite TV Programme: Movies take preference – anything with Daniel Day Lewis; no musicals

Favourite Food/Drink: Biltong and red wine – Pinotage

Favourite Music: Alternative rock

Favourite Sport: Rugby

Hobbies: Motorsport

Car: Today: Lexus, IS-F. Dream Garage: just about any state-side muscle

Pets: Miniature hamster, Maximus

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rude people, bad drivers and R.E.M. (band)

Married: To Jenny Naude

Children: Justin Connor Naude, 10

Clubs: Cobra Club ZA